JONNY LATELY SCOREBOARD

from DEAN WILSON in Sydney

JONNY BAIRSTOW was physically and emotionally drained after walking off the SCG with the “hardest” hundred of his career by his name.

Bairstow reached three figures in the final over of day three before receiving the warm embrace of a team who felt the catharsis that came with an innings soaked in symbolism.

The 32-year-old had looked to the sky, as always when he reaches a century, in silent respect to his dad and former cricketer David, who died 23 years ago.

He would also normally look for his greatest supporter in the stands but, due to travel restrictions, his mum Janet wasn’t there this time.

And that is a real shame since she is a breast cancer survivor for whom the

Pink Test resonates strongly as it raises money via the McGrath Foundation to fund breast cancer care nurses.

Bairstow, though, found the same love and support from his team-mates, who recognised that his seventh ton, and the first by an Englishman in this series, was something they all needed – and he did it the hard way.

Joining Ben Stokes at the crease with the score 36-4, in the middle of 70 consecutive dot balls and with the pitch misbehaving with its bounce, the challenge was incredible.

Add to that a brutal blow that may have broken his right thumb, and it is easy to see why he got so emotional.

“I’m absolutely over the moon,” said Bairstow. “It was the hardest one so far I think, with the circumstances.

“The thumb was sore but it takes quite a bit to get me off the park and in the circumstances of the game it was one of those where it was a decision I made to stay out there.

“You’re playing in an Ashes Test match, the new year’s Pink Test match at Sydney in front of a crowd, it’s going to take a lot to get you away from that.

“That partnership with Ben was a big

Fourth Test Match